August 12th, 2013
As the wedding preparations reached their final stages, the atmosphere inside Bellewood Manor was electric. The wedding looked like it was going to be a beautiful, yet tense, affair. Selena and Liam were going to exchange vows, surrounded by their loved ones, but the displeasure on Park Gulduk and Park Jun Pyo's faces was palpable.
For Selena, she remembered that face and knew her grandfather and Park Jun Pyo well. The two men, steeped in traditional Korean values, were staunch misogynists, disapproving of Selena's unwed pregnancy. They saw it as a shame, a stain on the family's honor. But what they didn't understand was that Selena's pregnancy was not just a personal choice, but the sign of a different future. Rose was as well.
Park Gulduk's disapproval was especially ironic, given that his own wealth and status were due to his marriage into the wealthy Noe family. His wife, Jin-ae, had brought him into the family, and with her, a vast fortune. Yet, despite this, he still held such regressive views about women.
In contrast, Selena's other grandparents, Jin-ae, Amelia, and Arthur, were overjoyed at the news of her pregnancy.
They saw it as a fulfillment of the destiny that had been laid out for them by the goddess. They knew that Selena's child was a key part of the prophecy, and they were eager to welcome the new generation.
Late summer sunshine streamed through the open window of the dressing room, casting a warm glow over the elegant space. The soft breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant sounds of laughter and music, mingling with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves.
Outside, the majestic Bellewood Manor, a stunning mansion with a mix of French Renaissance and Italianate architectural styles, stood proudly as the wedding venue. The building's façade was adorned with intricate stone carvings, ornate balconies, and towering spires that seemed to stretch up to the sky.
The grounds were immaculately manicured, with lush green lawns, vibrant flower beds, and tranquil fountains. A serene lake sparkled in the distance, its surface reflecting the vibrant colors of the setting sun.
As the bridal party and bachelor party arrived, the atmosphere became electric. The sound of champagne corks popping, laughter, and music filled the air, mingling with the fragrance of fresh flowers and the scent of exquisite cuisine wafting from the kitchen.
Inside the dressing room, Liam paced nervously, adjusting his cufflinks for what felt like the hundredth time. He was waiting for his brother, Jakob, and his friend, Michael, to arrive, and his anxiety was starting to get the better of him.
Just then, his father, Jake, walked into the room, a warm smile on his face. "Hey, son, you look like you're about to face a firing squad," he said, chuckling.
Liam took a deep breath and let out a nervous laugh. "I just want everything to be perfect, Dad," he said, running a hand through his hair.
Jake nodded understandingly and walked over to Liam. "Let me help you with that," he said, straightening Liam's tie and adjusting his brand-name tuxedo. "You look great, son. Just relax and enjoy the day. It's going to be amazing."
As Jake finished adjusting Liam's attire, Jakob and Michael burst into the room, grinning from ear to ear. "Sorry we're late, bro," Michael said, clapping Liam on the back. He walked and went to see Gunn. Jakob and Liam had to talk.
Liam and Jakob locked eyes, their expressions a mix of emotions. Jakob's gaze was complex, a blend of happiness and sadness. Liam's eyes, too, held a deep sense of emotion, a mix of love, guilt, and understanding.
"It's so great to see you, thank you for coming," Liam said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I know we didn't part well." his hand grabbed Jakob's shoulder with emotion. The last time he saw his brother was in his last life, on his deathbed. Selena had told him that her choice and Jakob had bailed off to Dubai.
Jakob's eyes searched Liam's face, his voice laced with emotion. "You know I'm happy for you, Liam. I just...I felt like we were robbed of a chance. Selena was my first kiss, and I loved her too. It's just hard because...because you're my brother, and I feel like I lost her to you."
Liam's expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding. "I know, Jakob. I'm sorry it had to be this way. But Selena made her choice, and I'm grateful that she chose me. You have to respect her choice. I didn't take anything from you"
Gunn, standing nearby, looked on nervously. "You know that I won't be able to break up a fight, Mike," he said, trying to break the tension.
Michael, ever the charmer, hooked his lips in a soft smile. "Shouldn't we be getting dressed? I look the best in a suit. She'll take a look at you all and question her sanity."
Liam laughed, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Go get dressed," he said, fist bumping Michael.
As the others began to disperse, Jakob turned to Liam, his eyes serious. "I'm happy for you, Liam. Really, I am. But can we talk later? I need to process some things."
Liam nodded, his expression understanding. "Of course, Jakob. We'll talk later." Jakob walked to Jonah who handed him a Scotch, the mood of celebration hung in the air, but it seemed like a weight hung on his brother's shoulders.
Jakob took the Scotch handed to him and sipped it, the aged masterpiece. The Kinsman's crafted some incredible Scotch, the 80 year old bottle was worth a million dollars and went down easier than water down a drain. "Wow. This is the reason I never pass up a celebration when your family is involved." Jakob said as he smacked his lips.
The dressing room was full of male relatives. Jonah, Jonathan and Arthur were enjoying a pre-wedding toast of Scotch. Jonah watched his friends out of the corner of his eyes. It was the best on the planet. The dressing room was still full because there was still a lot to go around.
With Jakob and Michael's arrival, the dressing room erupted into a flurry of activity, with the groomsmen chattering excitedly and making last-minute adjustments to their attire. As they prepared to take their places at the wedding, the sound of music and laughter drifted in from outside. Liam smiled.
Jonah looked at his friend sympathetically, Selena had handled this better than he thought she would. She probably looked ahead the whole time she broke his heart, choosing the best words and had to eat her weight in cake for it. The group, with the exception of Liam, looked depressed. "Glad you made it. Selena asks about you." Jonah said to Jakob. 'Can we talk in private?" Jonah asked.
Jakob felt the discomfort from his broken heart, he looked at his friend a walking miracle feeling horrible when he bailed years ago. He felt so guilty about leaving and staying away.
Selena brought him back to them, but that night after he saw the kiss mark on Liam's neck after they spilled out of the bathroom with a look of shame he confronted her. He wished he didn't. If he hadn't, it could have been him. Liam fucked up and he missed a shot because he was bitter.
Jakob looked up to his friend, his eyes watering, he shook it away and took down more of the cup of liquid courage "Yeah," Jakob said and paused and looked at Jonah "I should probably get ready." Jakob said and cleared his throat. "Your suit is hung up over there in the groomsman section.
Jakob looked at Jonah in his kilt, "No tartan for me?" he would honestly be honored to wear tartan.
Jonah laughed, "No, just the actual Scottish raised one's are wearing it."
Jakob looked at the man with great appreciation, despite him basically running away after his accident to the military with Michael after he healed from his broken leg, Jonah didn't feel abandoned when he woke up a paraplegic. Now he was standing in a kilt, almost fit as a fiddle again.
Jakob smiled, "It's great to see you standing, bro." He picked up the garment bag and headed into the dressing room with a sigh.
Jonah's face faltered, "The credit belongs to Selena, I think I would have died if it wasn't for her. She really paid the price though."
Jonah paused, "There's a shower in there, she knew you'd both be here just before the wire." Jonah finished feeling uncomfortable in his thoughts, it was hard waking up and finding out he left. The radio silence was worse, especially when he was at his worst in his chair, and when McKenna shot her.
Jakob opened the door and ducked into the small shower area, stripping off his rucksack and pulling out his hygiene supplies. He neatly folded his clothes and washed off his heavy heart. After pulling some gel through his damp short hair and dressing he felt a letter in his pocket. He opened the letter
Jakob,
I knew that you would not completely break my heart and show up. You're one of my best friends and I'm going to cry when I see you, so please be alright. I know how you feel, you know how I have always felt; that you are an irreplaceable presence that will transcend friendship in my heart. You're more than that.
You're going to be an uncle and I hope that you will be there for them, be there for your brother and can find a place that we can settle in your heart.
Love finds many forms,
Selena
Jakob folded the beautifully written letter; her handwriting always had this thoughtfulness and intent in it. It's beauty like the owner. The letter smelled like her. A tear ran from his right eye down his face, his tough exterior changing ever so slightly soft and sad. He was going to be an uncle.